Breast Reduction: Q&A

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Pro Athlete, Breast Reduction Revision.

Hello, I'm a pro athlete, 5ft 8, 18%body fat. I had a breast reduction in July (19y.o) I was a ddd in my left breast and a dd in my right. I wanted to be a b cup which my surgeon agreed was possible&would suit my body. It's now January, I am a 34d cup in my right and 1/2 to full cup larger in my left. I'm disappointed with the result and was looking forward to the freedom b cup breasts would afford me as an athlete. Is a revision to a b cup possible and realistic?

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18 Doctor Answers | Asked by sarahlee in florida

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Revision Breast Reduction

This type of surgery is definitely possible. I'm sorry you are unhappy with the outcome. It is immensely difficult to predict, with certainty, a cup size. When you consult with your potential surgeon, communication of your desired outcome is essential. I often ask patients to bring pictures with them to communicate their expectations. You have probably already found that your cup size differs with different bra manufacturers. A revision reduction... more

Revision Breast Reduction: Make things smaller through the same incisions

Revision breast reduction can be performed through the same incisions and usually involves re-supporting the breast tissue and removing additional tissue on the outer part of the breast. It sounds like you were large and you were left with significant volume which can lead to "bottoming-out". If you think about it your breast has already failed once with the excess weight of it and it just failed again. Liposuction may help to reduce the size as well, but you will likely need... more

Revision breast reduction is possible

Breast reductions are usually performed for one or two reasons: 1) Aesthetic restoration of the breasts. 2) To help alleviate medical problems associated with macromastia (i.e. back pain, rashes, bra strap grooving). When a patient presents to me with medical complaints relating to macromastia, the first and foremost goal of the operation should be to help relieve those symptoms. However, the breast aesthetic must be kept in mind. As I plastic surgeon, I do talk extensively... more

Nobody doesn't like Sarah Lee

Sorry Sarah Lee, I couldn't resist. It is likely that you can indeed have a revision of your reduction. Depending on the fat content of your breasts, the revision might be a simpler procedure, i.e. liposuction. Having seen the content of your breast tissue, the surgeon that operated on you would know whether this is possible. He/she also knows exactly how the circulation to your nipples was preserved and would be in a better position to... more

Breast reduction can be revised safely

Your breast reduction can be revised safely if, as alluded to by other posts, your surgeon knows how the original surgery was done. This is a vote for having your original surgeon do the revision. You started with a difficult situation - a significant asymmetry. It is more difficult to get good symmetry than people think, especially when starting out with two very different sized breasts. It is understandable that as an athlete you would want smaller breasts... more

Breast Reduction Revision

It is certainly possible to revise your reduction to a smaller size and even the two sides. However, revision surgery is harder and more risky than the original. Also, you will never be exactly even on the two sides, though it should be possible to make you significantly more so. Additionally, no guarantee as to the final bra size can be made. You should be smaller, but different company's bras, though they fit, may be different sizes.

Cup sizes can't be promised with breast reduction

It is possible to make you smaller but you can't be guaranteed any specific cup size especially since a reduction doesn't reduce the base width of the breast. If you re-reduced them you would face more potential problems with blood flow compromise, possible tissue death, numbness, and inability to breast feed issues.

Further Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question. It is definitely possible to further reduce your breasts. Generally, it is best to allow the original surgeon to perform the operation since he/she knows exactly what was done. If you choose a different surgeon make sure he/she sees a copy of the previous operative report. The concern with the amount of tissue removed is related to blood flow to the remaining tissue; if too much tissue is removed in one operation the blood flow to the remaining... more

Breast Reduction and B cup

Revisions on breast reconstruction are possible, however, finding a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is vitally important. Because you have already had a breast reduction, the blood supply to your nipple is more at risk, especially if you are wanting to get an aggressive reduction. Understand that going from a DDD to a B is a drastic change that can be done. However, to get to such a small size often shape and projection are sacrificed. I would encourage you to seek a... more

Breast Reduction Revision

I think a revision breast reduction would be possible if you desire a further decrease in size. I would recommend giving your body time to recover. Revision reduction carries a much higher incidence of nipple related complications, such as sensation change or nipple necrosis. I would recommend waiting a few years to ensure you have reached breast maturity and allow your breasts to settle into final position from the recent reduction. A full B is a... more

Asymmetrical breast reduction revision

It's not likely that your breasts are going to shrink much or become more symmetrical with any more time. You can undergo a revision whenever you are ready. Likely you will need to have more breast tissue excised as at 19 y.o. your tissue is probably too fibrous to suction. If you have maintained your nipple/areolar sensation, there is a possibilty that you may lose it with a revision. There also is a chance of the shape being altered.

Kenneth L. Stein, MD

5 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and healing and size

Your breasts should continue to decrease in size until about one year after your surgery. But, yes, if they are still too large for you or there is asymmetry, you can have them reduced further to match. This can be done as an outpatient with a quicker recovery. See my video.

How small after reduction

I am sure your original surgeon should be able to make you even smaller.symmetry is not always easy in a breast reduction but I would think he can do it.

Breast reduction revision (on an athlete)

It is unfortunate that you were not reduced to your desired size, but at this point a revision is quite reasonable particularly in light of persistent asymmetry. The main issue is the blood supply to the nipple areola which is based on a pedicle of breast tissue which can come in from various quadrants. I agree that it is probably most appropriate to have your original surgeon perform the revision since he will best know the surgical design.

Revision breast reduction

It is difficult to say whether or not it is possible to get down to a "B" cup without an evaluation. I find that the smaller patients want to go, often the breast shape is sacrificed. In addition, it is hard to predict exact cup size because all manufacturers make their bras a bit differently.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction second time around

It is very understandable for those who seek breast reduction to request a very small cup size, though given the geometry and wide base diameter of the large breast, a D-cup is typical even after a very significant reduction. A B-cup may be possible, but the trade-off is a loss of breast shape and projection. The breast will not look as nice for some, and a T pattern scar may become necessary. A second reduction can be done. We would suggest you wait at least a year to let your currant... more

Pro Athlete, Breast Reduction Revision.

YES! but you need to see other boarded surgeons in Florida to discuss in detail. From MIAMI Dr,. Darryl J. Blinski

Breast reduction

The breast aesthetic must be maintained in any reduction procedure. The base width of the breast is the foundation and can be manipulated by certain techniques but extremely large breasts have a limit to how small they can be. Revision surgery is certainly possible but your surgeon must know the previous technique used so that the blood supply to the nipple and areola may be maintained. I suggest you return to your surgeon to discuss your concerns. If you are not satisfied with... more